Watch The First Trailer For The James Brown Biopic

“Get on up!” James Brown’s famous lyric echoes through the first trailer of the biopic starring Chadwick Boseman as the famed soul singer. Boseman is joined by Viola Davis (Ender’s Game) as Brown’s mother, Susie, Octavia Spencer (The Help), Jill Scott (Why Did I Get Married?) and Nelsan Ellis (True Blood) in this Oscar-bait film. The trailer showcases a mix of glitz, glam and the dark side of entertainment.

Get On Up is directed by Tate Taylor, who previously led Spencer to Oscar gold in The Help. While the film doesn’t hit theaters until August 1st, expect buzz to build as the weather heats up. Until then, catch up on other musical legends with one of these compelling rock docs of 2013.